Drita, My Homegirlby Jenny Lombard
I liked this because it was about fourth grade students. It also has a strong African American character and deals with bullying in a way. I've attached the Bound to Stay Bound inormation page here. It has a review. http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=584635&AddTitle=1
Chris
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
This Newbery honor and Coretta Scott winner is considered Curtis' best work yet. http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=253846&AddTitle=1
Carol
I agree this would be a good book to add to the list! I am in the process of introducing it to my fourth grade students.
Michelle
How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor
This is a story of a girl and her brother trying to make ends meet. They get an idea from a Lost Dog poster hanging on a light post outside of their car, which happens to be their home at the time. It's a great story on making bad choices and owning up to do what is right.. http://www.barboconnor.com/books/novels/bk_steal.html
Lisa H.
No Talking by Andrew Clements
After reading that Gandhi practiced silence for one day a week to bring order to his mind, a boy is inspired to do the same. It then escalates into a contest between the 5th grade boys and girls, with teachers on both sides of the fence as to whether this should be allowed. I think it's the quality of Frindle. Jean Harper http://www.amazon.com/No-Talking-Andrew-Clements/dp/1416909834/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204497618&sr=8-1
*Awesome choice! I am all for this! Amy
Jack Plank Tells Tales by Natalie Babbitt
When pirates fall on hard times, Jack is let go because he isn't very good at plundering. An 11 year old girl named Nina shows Jack around town to help him find work. Each evening, he tells a story that explains just why that particular job would not be good for him. At the end, Nina comes up with a perfect job for Jack...he can be the town storyteller.
Jean Harper
Swordbird by Nancy Yi Fan
This book was written by a 12 year old author Nancy Yi Fan. This book was written in response to 9/11 and is the author's call for world peace. Rather than go into detail here, please check out this Barnes and Noble link for a look inside the book and for reviews. http://search2.barnesandnoble.com/BookViewer/?ean=9780061130991
Matt Sterrett
Gossamer by Lois Lowry
This is a Rebecca Caudill book this year and is well written, as all Lowry books are. It talks about dream-givers and their jobs. A wonderful fantasy novel which conveys hope and strength in having a desire to learn. Readers can identify with the dream-givers and the people they give dreams to. http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=589542&AddTitle=1 Rati Singhal
I also think this would be good to add as a crossover from the Rebecca Caudill. I always like to have a Lois Lowry book! It is also a little different twist on the fairy theme that I think the students will like.
Holly
Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park
An awesome story in which a Korean girl moves to Plainfield, IL. The book ties in a state fair project with friendship, tolerance, siblings. The story also includes conversations with the author at the end of each chapter. A Rebecca Caudill book http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=700205&AddTitle=1
Tales Our Abuelitas Told: A Hispanic Folktale Collection by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy
A collection of twelve tales similar to Porch Lies. Each discusses the cultural origin and at the beginning of the book there are traditional story starter ideas. An interesting book. http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=040824&AddTitle=1
Rati
2009 Nominations
Drita, My Homegirl by Jenny Lombard
I liked this because it was about fourth grade students. It also has a strong African American character and deals with bullying in a way. I've attached the Bound to Stay Bound inormation page here. It has a review.
http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=584635&AddTitle=1
Chris
Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan
http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=340118&AddTitle=1
Carol
This book would appeal to the students who like adventure.
Michelle
This is another book I can't keep in the library!
Amy
Edward's Eyes by Patricia MacLachlan
http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=595016&AddTitle=1
Carol
A Friendship for Today by Patricia McKissack
(I'm not sure this one is appropriate for elementary.)
http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=628122&AddTitle=1
Carol
Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary by Candace Fleming
This provides the morals of Aesop's Fables with a modern day twist. It can be read in parts and has sort of a Wayside School feel to it.
http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=341160&AddTitle=1
Chris
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
This Newbery honor and Coretta Scott winner is considered Curtis' best work yet.
http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=253846&AddTitle=1
Carol
I agree this would be a good book to add to the list! I am in the process of introducing it to my fourth grade students.
Michelle
Lowji Discovers America by Candace Fleming
This is a story of young boy whose family moves to America from India and is more for 3-4 th grade students.
http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=341164&AddTitle=1
Rati Singhal
How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor
This is a story of a girl and her brother trying to make ends meet. They get an idea from a Lost Dog poster hanging on a light post outside of their car, which happens to be their home at the time. It's a great story on making bad choices and owning up to do what is right..
http://www.barboconnor.com/books/novels/bk_steal.html
Lisa H.
No Talking by Andrew Clements
After reading that Gandhi practiced silence for one day a week to bring order to his mind, a boy is inspired to do the same. It then escalates into a contest between the 5th grade boys and girls, with teachers on both sides of the fence as to whether this should be allowed. I think it's the quality of Frindle. Jean Harper
http://www.amazon.com/No-Talking-Andrew-Clements/dp/1416909834/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204497618&sr=8-1
*Awesome choice! I am all for this! Amy
Jack Plank Tells Tales by Natalie Babbitt
When pirates fall on hard times, Jack is let go because he isn't very good at plundering. An 11 year old girl named Nina shows Jack around town to help him find work. Each evening, he tells a story that explains just why that particular job would not be good for him. At the end, Nina comes up with a perfect job for Jack...he can be the town storyteller.
Jean Harper
Swordbird by Nancy Yi Fan
This book was written by a 12 year old author Nancy Yi Fan. This book was written in response to 9/11 and is the author's call for world peace. Rather than go into detail here, please check out this Barnes and Noble link for a look inside the book and for reviews.
http://search2.barnesandnoble.com/BookViewer/?ean=9780061130991
Matt Sterrett
Gossamer by Lois Lowry
This is a Rebecca Caudill book this year and is well written, as all Lowry books are. It talks about dream-givers and their jobs. A wonderful fantasy novel which conveys hope and strength in having a desire to learn. Readers can identify with the dream-givers and the people they give dreams to.
http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=589542&AddTitle=1
Rati Singhal
I also think this would be good to add as a crossover from the Rebecca Caudill. I always like to have a Lois Lowry book! It is also a little different twist on the fairy theme that I think the students will like.
Holly
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Kids have loved this one this year. Our "hold" list for this is a mile long, including the sequel.
http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=519783&AddTitle=1
Chris
Heat by Mike Lupica
http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=590801&AddTitle=1
Punished by David Lubar
http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=589700&AddTitle=1
The Shining by Julius Lester
Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=567014&AddTitle=1
Very powerful--I have used this with fourth grade students for the past two years. You can't help but cry in response to the realistic pictures.
Amy
Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park
An awesome story in which a Korean girl moves to Plainfield, IL. The book ties in a state fair project with friendship, tolerance, siblings. The story also includes conversations with the author at the end of each chapter. A Rebecca Caudill book
http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=700205&AddTitle=1
Oh Rats! The Story of Rats and People by Albert Marrin
A nonfiction offering about rats and their relationship with humans. A Rebecca Caudill book
http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=604623&AddTitle=1
Tales Our Abuelitas Told: A Hispanic Folktale Collection by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy
A collection of twelve tales similar to Porch Lies. Each discusses the cultural origin and at the beginning of the book there are traditional story starter ideas. An interesting book.
http://www.btsb.com/utilities/BookDetails.php?TitleNo=040824&AddTitle=1
Rati